Cheltenham Town assistant boss Bob Bloomer looks set to exit Whaddon Road today after failing to get guarantees on his future beyond the summer.

The Daily Press understands that talks between Bloomer – whose current deal expires in the summer – and Robins chairman Paul Baker are set to take place this morning. The most likely outcome is expected to be an agreement on an early contract termination with immediate effect.

It is understood that Bloomer was hoping to open talks on a new deal in the coming weeks, but was told any negotiations would not start until nearer the end of the season.

The side are still battling against relegation and the budget for next season cannot be finalised until their League One future is guaranteed, or otherwise.

Bloomer was left to consider his options and is believed to have decided that a fresh start away from the club he has served as a player, coach and caretaker manager, since arriving from Bristol Rovers in 1992, was his best course of action.

He was absent from training yesterday morning as the players prepared for their FA Cup third-round clash with Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night – the winners will earn a glamour tie with Premier League giants Aston Villa on January 24.

Manager Martin Allen is understood not to have named successor, but will hold a meeting this morning, and it is likely that youth-team coach John Brough will be asked to fill the void temporarily when Bloomer's exit is finalised.